University of Oxford guide

The oldest university in the English-speaking world (and the second oldest surviving in the world after the University of Bologna), the University of Oxford can trace its roots back to at least the 11th century. Throughout the centuries the university has seen some of the world's greatest writers, thinkers, politicians and scientists study or teach at its colleges.

Courses and teaching

One of the most popular courses at Oxford is PPE (Philosophy, Politics and Economics), a programme which is only offered at a handful of institutions across the UK. Newer combinations such as Economics and Management have also proved popular in recent times, but the university does offer a full spectrum of traditional academic courses from Classics to Maths.

Costs

From September 2017, the cost of an undergraduate degree at Oxford is £9,250 for Home and EU students.

Student life

The 38 individual colleges are a huge source of nightlife activity for Oxford's students, as each one has its own bar. There are also a number of clubs and pubs within walking distance, but Oxford benefits most of all from being a historical city full to the brim with local attractions. Students can visit Blenheim Palace by day and enjoy the bars and restaurants by night set against the backdrop of one of England's oldest cities.

Facilities

The colleges make up much of Oxford's city centre but also extend around the city, including a deer park with Magdalen College's grounds.

Accommodation

Students at Oxford usually reside in their college for at least the first year of study, which costs generally costs between £4,844 and £5,569 per annum. Many colleges ask students to vacate and clear their bedrooms over the Christmas, Easter and summer breaks. Privately renting a shared house in Oxford usually costs between £970-£1,433 per month, with streets off the Cowley Road being the most popular among students.

Education

Aside from the university's famous historical libraries and teaching sites including the Sheldonian and the Bodleian, a £38 million Earth Sciences Building opened in 2011, and the Andrew Wiles Building for the Mathematical Institute opened in 2013.

Sport

While Oxford is famed for its rowing and rugby prowess, there are many more opportunities for students to get involved with sports at the university. Most colleges have their own facilities, from gyms to squash courts, and there are three main sporting sites on Iffley Road, University Parks and Marston Road where those interested in more competitive sports can practise.

Other

26 British prime ministers have been Oxford alumni, including David Cameron.

Trains from London Paddington arrive approximately every 15 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes during the evening. See National Rail for more details.

Air

Heathrow and Gatwick Airports are the closest two to Oxford and both run many services to and from the rest of the world and are easy to reach by public transport.

Coach

National Express and Stagecoach run services from Oxford and the Oxford Tube is a popular service to London Victoria that runs every 10 minutes throughout the day and night and offers a student discount.